How many Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies have come and gone without Deep Purple getting their invitation? Well, in 2016, the legendary hard rock band will finally receive their much-deserved induction, and drummer Ian Paice has shared his excitement over the happening.

Deep Purple singer Ian Gillanslammed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee recently, while Paice described that a potential Deep Purple induction could result in a punch-up between current and former members. We'll see for sure what ends up happening on April 8, when the inductions actually happen at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Though Deep Purple had been snubbed perhaps longer than any other seminal hard rock band, Paice shares he was always optimistic during an interview with Rolling Stone. "I knew it would probably happen one day," Paice says. "I do appreciate how difficult it probably was for them to do it with so many lineups, so many different members. It's a minefield, really. I suppose it's rather nice."

Will we be gifted with a Deep Purple performance at the Barclays -- perhaps even with former members joining current ones for a one-time-only superjam? "I have no idea," says Paice. "All I've heard is we've got the thing. I just learned this two nights ago, and I've kept my big mouth shut. This is the first time I've discussed it with anyone. Whatever else is decided, we'll make a decision on that when it comes through."

There's one thing Paice did speculate about, however; whether or not guitar icon Ritchie Blackmore will show up at the ceremony. "That's questionable," Paice says. "He can confuse you sometimes. You think he'll do one thing and he'll do the other. I wouldn't put money either way on that one."

Congrats again to Deep Purple along with Cheap Trick, Chicago, Steve Miller and N.W.A. for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions.